Mr Saleem said Mr Mahmood, who works for ABM Taxis, went to the Arena Club, off Hagley Road, when troubled flared.

Mr Saleem said: “These guys came out of the club and started messing around with his roof sign. He was concerned about damage to his vehicle so he thought he would drive away but before he could, they took the roof sign off.”

One of the men said that he would put the sign back but both of them attacked him.

Mr Saleem said: “He put his hands up to cover his face, his nose burst open straight away, he did not know what else to do. Another cab driver pulled up and started sounding his horn and shouting and at that point, they both ran back into the club.”

Chief Inspector Simon Inglis, of Dudley Police, said: “I understand why taxi drivers in Dudley are worried by what has happened but I would reassure them that this is being treated as an isolated incident and a thorough investigation will be carried out to try and find those responsible.

“I am more than happy to address any on-going concerns and remain keen to work with the Dudley Private Hire and Taxi Association and the local council on any initiative which aims to prevent such assaults and helps them to feel safer.”